Sen. Bill Lieske

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public employers in Minnesota to provide new student employees with written notice on or before their first day of work that joining a union is not required for employment. It directly affects student employees working for public institutions (like state universities or school districts), specifically clarifying that union membership cannot be a condition of their job. The key provision amends Minnesota law to mandate this notification, ensuring students understand their right to choose union membership. The bill does not change existing union representation rules but focuses on informing student workers of their rights upfront.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals Minnesota's 0.25% metropolitan region sales and use tax, which was collected on retail sales in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area (including Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, and other surrounding counties). The tax generated revenue distributed to state rent assistance (25%), city housing aid (25%), and county housing aid (50%) under Minnesota Statutes 297A.9925. The repeal removes this tax from state law, effective July 1, 2025, ending the collection of this specific revenue stream for those housing and assistance programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits counties, municipalities, and school districts in Minnesota from accepting contributions from for-profit businesses or nonprofit organizations to cover election expenses. It directly affects local governments by banning them from using funds from these outside sources for federal, state, or local election costs. The key provision adds a new section to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.32, explicitly stating that such contributions cannot be accepted "in any form" for election expenses. The policy change removes any existing local authority to accept these contributions, making the prohibition enforceable statewide.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "microenterprise home kitchen operation license" for Minnesotans who prepare and sell food from their homes. It directly affects small home-based food businesses that currently lack a legal pathway to sell cooked goods, such as baked goods or prepared meals. Key provisions require the commissioner to issue the license within 30 days of application, make it valid for one year (January 1-December 31), and allow annual renewal. The license specifically excludes sales at retail locations or for consumption on-site, aligning with existing home kitchen regulations. This establishes a formal, accessible licensing process for home food operations under new Chapter 31C of Minnesota Statutes.

Maddy summarySF 232 moves the administration of the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library from the Department of Education to the Department of Employment and Economic Development. This bill directly affects Minnesotans with visual or physical disabilities who rely on the library's services, including accessible books and media. Key provisions require the new department to continue providing specialized services through a cooperative plan with the National Library Service for the Blind, while maintaining the existing advisory committee composed of library users. The bill also repeals outdated statutes governing the library under the previous department. This is a structural change to agency responsibility, not a modification of service content.

Maddy summarySF 493 prohibits Minnesota's Pollution Control Agency from banning the purchase or use of motor vehicles powered by internal combustion engines (gasoline/diesel vehicles). This bill directly affects vehicle owners and dealers by preventing the agency from restricting these vehicles, and it limits the agency's regulatory authority over vehicle emissions standards. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 116.07, adding a specific prohibition that prevents the agency from adopting rules that would ban internal combustion engine vehicles. The key mechanism is a statutory amendment explicitly blocking such a ban, ensuring the agency cannot implement this type of restriction. This is a procedural change to agency authority, not a new environmental standard.

Maddy summarySF 440, the "Unilateral Emergency Powers Repeal Act," removes the Minnesota governor's authority to unilaterally declare emergencies or issue emergency orders with the force of law. Instead, it requires the legislature to formally declare and extend emergencies, shifting emergency decision-making power from the executive branch to lawmakers. The bill also explicitly protects citizens' rights during emergencies, prohibiting the governor from infringing on free speech, assembly, religious freedom, business operations, or travel. Key provisions repeal specific statutes (like 4.035 and 12.31) that previously granted the governor broad emergency powers under Minnesota law.

Maddy summarySF 391 increases Minnesota's annual sales limit for cottage food businesses from $78,000 to $85,000 and raises the fee exemption threshold from $5,000 to $8,500 in gross receipts. This directly affects home-based food producers selling non-hazardous or home-canned foods (like pickles, fruits, or vegetables with specific pH/water activity levels) without state licensing. The bill requires these businesses to register annually ($50 fee, waived for under $8,500 in sales) and mandates the commissioner to submit biennial reports to the legislature on threshold adjustments and inflation impacts. These changes aim to update economic thresholds while maintaining the exemption's core structure for small-scale home food operations.

Maddy summarySF 388 removes burial fees for spouses and dependents of eligible veterans at Minnesota state veterans cemeteries. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 197.236, subdivision 9, to prohibit charging any fees for these groups' interment, replacing the previous fee schedule and waiver process. It appropriates funds from the general fund for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to cover these uncompensated burial costs. This directly affects spouses and dependent children of veterans meeting eligibility criteria under U.S. Code, title 38, section 101(2). The policy change eliminates a cost barrier for families of veterans, ensuring no burial fees apply to these specific groups.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $4,070,000 from state bond proceeds to design and construct a roundabout at the intersection of Trunk Highway 19 and Armstrong Road in Northfield. The funds will come from bonds sold by the state under existing bond laws, with proceeds deposited into the trunk highway fund. The project directly affects Northfield residents and travelers using this specific intersection, aiming to improve traffic flow and safety. The bill authorizes the sale of bonds up to $4,070,000 to cover the eligible portion of the roundabout construction costs. It becomes effective the day after final enactment.